Taking due account of all aspects of a BMW vehicle, H. Hartge GmbH & Co KG in Beckingen/Saar has also developed balanced power-boosting products characterised by high quality, reliability and frugality in equal measures for the 1.8 and 2.0 litre engines of the X1. The base engine of the 18d benefits from a 36 hp increase from 143 hp (105 kW) to 179 hp (126 kW) at 4000 rpm. Max. torque also takes a significant step up with 350 Nm (lb-ft 258) available at 2000 rpm. With this power boost, the manual sDrive18d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, a good 1.5 seconds faster than the standard version. When it comes to top speed, the additional power gives the car another 17 km/h, namely 217 km/h instead of 200 km/h. In line with this, the top speed of the xDrive18d also climbs by 17 km/h.

The Hartge X1 xDrive20d shown here boasts 32 hp more than its standard brethren, which enables it to leap from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 instead of 8.4 seconds and adds another 11 km/h to V-max. In the case of the sDrive20d (which sprints to 100 km/h in 6.9 instead of 8.1 seconds), the top speed rises to 229 km/h. Thanks to the Hartge modifications, maximum torque of the already powerful 4-cylinder engine with common-rail injection system and turbocharger rises from 350 to 415 Nm (lb-ft 306) at 2000 rpm.

The power and the glory of engines tuned by Hartge can be heard as well as felt by fitting a stainless-steel rear silencer with round tail pipes (80 mm diameter), which of course comes with German ABE homologation. For all xDrive models from 18d to 28i, Hartge offers a set of sports springs that lowers the car by 30 mm. The Hartge �Classic 2� wheel set for the X1 permits wider than standard tyres to be fitted, with the following wheel / tyre dimensions: 9 x 20� offset 33 with 245/30 ZR 20 at the front and 10 x 20� offset 40 with 295/25 ZR 20 at the rear. In this connection, Hartge recommends ContiSC-5, Pirelli Nero or the Michelin PS2 as particularly suitable tyres. A set of emblems for the bonnet and tailgate leave no doubt about the Hartge genes. since 1971

The Hartge genes are also in evidence inside. For example, through the three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium emblem, as well as through the two-part aluminium set of pedals for the automatic version, the aluminium footrest or the aluminium and leather hand-brake. Similarly, the shift lever for the automatic trans-mission also comes in these materials while Hartge velour floor mats add that extra touch of quality. Normally in black these mats are also available in other colours on request.

Generally, speaking, there are no limits on the extent to which the X1 can be customised and, as with most things in life, the degree is only a question of the price.

Just one example, the power kit for the 20d costs � 1,892.10 � in other words, not even � 60 per additional horse power, which is certainly inexpensive �power fodder�! �Joy is a life full of opportunities� says the X1 brochure. And Hartge has now added a few more.